STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1690

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    GOV. MSG. NO. 875

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred Governor's Message No. 875, submitting for study and consideration the nomination of: 

Board of Naturopathic Medicine

G.M. No. 875

DR. KATHRYN TAKETA-WONG for a term to expire 06-30-2018,

begs leave to report as follows:

     Your Committee has reviewed the personal history, resume, and statement submitted by the nominee and finds Kathryn Taketa-Wong to possess the requisite qualifications to be nominated to the Board of Naturopathic Medicine.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of the nomination of Kathryn Taketa-Wong from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and two individuals.

     Upon review of the testimony, your Committee finds that Dr. Taketa-Wong's background, experience, and dedication to the community qualify her for appointment to the Board of Naturopathic Medicine as a licensee member.  Your Committee notes that Dr. Taketa-Wong has been licensed in Hawaii since 2011 and is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist in her own private practice, where she focuses on autism spectrum and pediatric developmental disorders.  Dr. Taketa-Wong has served on the legislative committee for the Hawaii Society of Naturopathic Physicians for the last two years and previously worked with the American Association of Naturopathic Medicine and the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Medicine on legislative issues pertaining to naturopathic medicine.  Your Committee further finds that Dr. Taketa-Wong has served as an interim member of the Board of Naturopathic Medicine since July 2014, has a thorough understanding of the role and responsibilities of board members, and recommends that Dr. Taketa-Wong be appointed to the Board of Naturopathic Medicine based on her knowledge, experience, and commitment to public service.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee, after full consideration of the background, experience, and qualifications of the nominee, has found the nominee to be qualified for the position to which nominated and recommends that the Senate advise and consent to the nomination.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection,

____________________________

ROSALYN H. BAKER, Chair